New Jeeper

[TheBirdie72]

If you are a pirate with only one leg, get the automatic. If you are an octopus with eight legs, get the automatic. Either way, go with the automatic.

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[Steph1]

Unfortunately, the manual in Jeeps now suck and the 8spd auto tranny is one of the best on the market so its a no brainer.

 

[five9dak]

I had a TJ with 5spd for seven years. I test drove the JL manual and didn't like it. The 8spd auto is much better in this particular model.

 

[IdahoJOAT]

Auto.

The autos in today's machines just outperform in every way. EVERY way.

Now if you want to feel and be connected to the rig, and you don't need the performance, then manual is of course the pick.

If that's not a big deal, then the obvious choice is the auto.

 

[Apples491]

I have rowed my own gears for 20+ years. I enjoy it and that trumps every other argument for an auto trans in my mind. I also learned to wheel with a manual and prefer it. Also, I was able to order with the 4.88 gears, saving me from having to do it aftermarket down the road.

And finally, the manual transmission is dying in this country and there's a good chance my '22 Wrangler will be the last vehicle I'll be ABLE to buy with a manual. When that day comes, I'll sooth the pain by enjoying the insane torque from whatever EV I end up buying.

 

[flyer92]

As a hard core MT driver and after owning manual CJs and TJs for decades, I wrestled with this very issue, but chose the AT for the following reasons:

-The ZF trans is high quality, very well reviewed and an excellent match for the 3.6L.
-Wife can drive manual, but prefers automatic.
-MT is a pain in the a$$ during heavy stop-and-go traffic.
-Earlier recalls on the MT clutch issue.
-At my advanced age, AT makes off-roading a little easier and more enjoyable.
-During the entire time I was researching and trying to make this decision, I was feeling several new creaks, cracks, and pops in my legs/knees. Realizing that surgery might be on the horizon and thinking about past recoveries that made driving with MT impossible, it was an easy decision to go with AT instead.

Yep...age forces us to make decisions we might not otherwise make, but at least we can still drive our beloved Jeeps! Best of luck and enjoy, even if you decide on AT.

 

[jeninchicago]

Manual - want my kids to learn how to drive manual since my car that we are selling is manual. We have another vehicle that is automatic.

 

[aldo98229]

Did you choose Manual or Automatic and why? I’ve seen that manual is much better for off-roading and gas mileage and it has a harder case on the bottom of the vehicle which is built stronger than the automatic.
Thanks

-IG

Huh?

I wheeled manual transmission Wranglers for the first several years until I got an automatic; I never looked back.

There are many good reasons for buying a manual transmission Wrangler, but ease of wheeling and fuel economy ain’t two of them.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

 

[Kllrbee]

Manual for me. But with all the love of the auto Ive heard over the last 3 years, Id probly go auto next time.
There is alot of rev hang with the manual if that sort of thing bugs you in traffic. I dont mind, I think its funny to see the car behind me sometimes have to hit their brakes when I shift out of 1st.
I had 4 TJs all with manual and loved it. Different ballgame from what I hear now.

Im surprised the manual even got 20% of votes. Im sure this doesnt apply to the folks on this forum, but doesnt only like 10% of the general population even know HOW to drive a manual? And arent we all over 40?

Good luck with your choice and welcome.

 

[KevinC11]

Huh?

I wheeled manual transmission Wranglers for the first several years until I got an automatic; I never looked back.

There are many good reasons for buying a manual transmission Wrangler, but ease of wheeling and fuel economy ain’t two of them.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

You beat me to it.

Look at the majority of off road wheelers, both professional and weekenders, the auto rules.

Fuel economy shouldn't even be discussed.

KevinC

 

[ColoradoMike]

I bought a manual. I like to be in the dying breed; those of us who still know how to do it and enjoy it. I REALLY like the manual off-road (Hells Revenge, Fins and Things, Yankee Hill, and hopefully soon Poison Spider); in the Rubi in 4-low, it's damn-near impossible to stall, provides awesome control, especially on descents.... It has NOT made wheeling harder, and I feared that it would. The clutch IS weird-ish and I DO worry about the reliability of the JL clutch. I hear that the JL auto is awesome. I have a Rubi XR on order, and it is an automatic--NOT because I wanted an auto, but because I couldn't order the XR package with the manual. I wanted the XR, so I had to accept the auto. If it ever gets built, I'll be able to evaluate my life choices...

 

[TheDukeofLark]

If you want a manual, the automatic is terrible. It doesn't even have a third pedal.

But if you are asking, you probably want the auto.

 

[MRH512]

Automatic, because Texas traffic is the worst. Unless I'm in a track car on a track, I will choose Automatic every time.

 

[Rico1111]

Manual here! I get wayyyyyyy too bored driving an automatic! Just doesn't cut it for me. I have loved and continue to love to row my gears out. I have to admit that this manual was a learning curve to find the sweet spot but after a few weeks I really got to liking it. Choose what you like and enjoy it! CCL what anyone else likes as long as they are happy! to each their own!

 

[Shibadog]

Automatic. Drove manuals for decades, but the new 8sp is just too nice to do without. Better fuel economy, better response (8 gears vs six). No comparison for me.

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